Teeth Clenching

Teeth Clenching In Crystal Meth Addiction and How to Stop It

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a drug which gives you a high that is usually short-lived, followed by feelings of euphoria that can last up to 12 hours. This euphoric sensation can be quite intense. It is derived from amphetamine and can exist in many forms. Its crystallised form is what we know as crystal meth.

When you take crystal meth, often the feeling of euphoria dissipates after about 12 hours. You may you find yourself craving the high again and consequentially taking more doses of the drug. This is how addiction to crystal meth develops.

The drug can be taken through different means such as:

Use of syringe and needle to inject it into the vein

Taking it through the nostrils in its powdered form

Using a glass pipe to smoke it

Orally taking it

Teeth Clenching as a Symptom of Crystal Meth Addiction

The moment you ingest methamphetamine, it causes your body’s endocrine system to release chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Serotonin is the chemical that gives you the feeling of happiness which you experience from methamphetamine use. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is one of the causes of the teeth clenching experienced with this drug. It leads to a muscle spasm in the jaw causing you to unconsciously clench your teeth and jaw. This teeth clenching also known as bruxism can lead to aching jaws, tooth decay, sore tongue, injuries inside your cheeks.

While there are many crystal meth users who have experienced the teeth clenching symptom, there are still many users who haven’t experienced it. This shows that this symptom might also be a factor of crystal meth dosage intake and magnesium deficiency.

However, when the teeth clenching symptom of crystal meth abuse starts to manifest, it indicates a direct danger to your health, and seeking professional help is essential.

How to Ease Teeth Clenching Symptoms?

It is sometimes not easy to detect, but magnesium deficiency is not uncommon. There are foods which can cause depletion of magnesium in your body and these include:

Refined sugars commonly found in candy and soft drinks

Alcoholic beverages

Caffeinated drinks

These food types cause your body to excrete magnesium causing decreased levels. You want to reduce intake of these food types and take foods rich in magnesium such as:

Cashews

Almonds

Bananas

Dark chocolates

Avocados

Spinach

Pumpkin seeds

If consumed on a daily basis, these foods will keep your magnesium levels within the normal range your body requires.

It is important to note that magnesium is necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system, which is why low levels of magnesium can increase your chances of getting clenched teeth from crystal meth use.

You can take magnesium supplements if you cannot easily get magnesium-rich foods. There are easily absorbable types like magnesium lysinate and magnesium glycinate, and it is important to take them on a planned routine. Magnesium supplements, however, can cause side effects such as loose stool.

Taking vitamins and chewing gum (preferably sugar-free) are also helpful in relieving the stress on the jaws.

However, the most effective way to deal with this symptom is to stop the use of the drug altogether, while eating healthy foods rich in magnesium.

Other Symptoms of Crystal Meth Addiction

Tooth decay and broken teeth as a result of teeth clenching

Confusion

Diarrhoea

Insomnia

Increased blood sugar levels

Irritability

Decreased appetite

Excessive weight loss

Breathing difficulties

Crystal meth addiction is a health concern that you need to take care of. It not only affects your quality of life, it also affects the lives of your family and friends, and all those around you. It is important to get professional help to overcome this addiction for a healthier life.

Finding useful information and resources about addiction or alcoholism can be a minefield. To increase the chance of a successful recovery and life of sobriety it is important to receive guidance from a reliable source.